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  • Tokyo - Hometown hero Nishikori takes the court

    9/30/08 3:16 AM | Cheryl Murray
    - Japanese star Kei Nishikori battles in round one against the big-serving American Robert Kendrick.

    Kei Nishikori is one of the rising stars of the ATP tour. The young up-start began his year with a semi-final showing at the Challenger event in Miami. He followed that result with a shocking tournament victory in Delray Beach, where he beat James Blake in the final. Most recently, he had an impressive run to the round of 16 at the US Open, where he knocked out David Ferrer in the third round. Nishikori is ranked 84 in the world.

    His opponent is the 100 ranked Robert Kendrick from the United States. Kendrick accrues most of his points on the Challenger tour. He gained some recognition in 2006 when he took eventual finalist Rafael Nadal to five sets in the second round of Wimbledon.

    Nishikori has the advantage over Kendrick on his ground strokes, and the Japanese man will have overwhelming crowd support behind him. Kendrick relies heavily on his serve. If that shot is clicking for the American, he has a chance to win this match, but more than likely it will be Nishikori’s to claim. Nishikori in straight sets.

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